Alopecia, also known as baldness, is a skin disease characterized by hair loss, and seborrhoeic alopecia and alopecia areata are the most common. Seborrhoeic alopecia is also called “androgen-induced alopecia”, which is referred to as “moth-eaten hair loss”, “hair tinea” and “white scaly wind” by Chinese medicine practitioners. It is more common in young and middle-aged men [1], and the clinical findings are mostly greasy and scaly hair, severe pain and itching, and gradual thinning hair on the forehead and front top, resulting in a high hairline [2]. Alopecia areata, known in Chinese medicine as “ghost shaving” and “oily wind”, can occur at any age, especially in children and adolescents. Its incidence in both genders is almost the same [3]. Generally, the patients with alopecia areata have no noticeable symptoms and the clinical findings are localized patches of hair loss and smooth skin on the affected areas. In severe cases, it can eventually develop into alopecia totalis or even alopecia universalis [4].
Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the key to healthy hair growth is the flow of blood and hair condition and blood circulation are closely related to the five organs because blood is governed by the heart, stored in the liver and controlled by the spleen while skin and hair are governed by the lung among which the spleen is also the source of vital energy and blood. And the kidney accommodates the essence of life which has a mutually beneficial relationship with the blood stored in the liver. Li Haiying [5] believes that clinical treatment for hair loss should be started from the heart. Materia Medica recorded “Blood flow is the key to healthy hair growth while the heart is the foundation of life. The glory of heart is reflected on the face so when the heart functions well and the blood flow is smooth, the hair will be dark and the complexion fresh.” Thus, the heart plays a significant role in hair growth as it governs the blood flow and vessels which nourish the hair.
Common methods for clinical treatment for hair loss include plum blossom needles, also known as seven-star needles, which are mainly used to tap hair loss areas or acupoints to stimulate the meridians and regulate the vital energy and blood of the viscera to achieve the therapeutic effect. In addition, tapping the local skin by plum blossom needles can stimulate the pain receptors to cause vasodilation through nerve reflexes, achieving the effects of increased blood flow and more abundant nutrient supply which are both beneficial to hair growth [6]. “Golden Mirror of Medicine” also said “It is advisable to use plum blossom needles on the hair loss areas until the scalp gets reddish and then the hair can regenerate.” This is because plum blossom needles can regulate vital energy and blood, clear the meridians and promote the recovery of body functions, making it an effective treatment for hair loss.
We can also relieve hair loss by adjusting our living habits. As the old saying goes, “If you want to tackle hair loss, comb the hair a thousand times.” Correct hair combing can not only nourish vital energy and activate blood flow but also promote healthy hair growth. Among the twelve meridians of the human body, the three yang meridians of hand runs from the hand to the head while the three yang meridians of feet runs from the head to the foot. Therefore, Chinese medicine practitioners believe the head is the confluence of various vessels and meridians.
When combing, you should divide the hair into several areas, such as the top, forehead, and the two sides, and then touch the scalp from the outside to the inside. Gentle combing across the scalp can stimulate the nerve endings of the scalp and acupoints on the head, which can relax the nerves, relieve fatigue and promote sleep.
On the other hand, we can also alleviate the problem of hair loss by adjusting our diet. For example, almonds are rich in vitamin E and zinc, which can lower the cholesterol level and strengthen the hair; raisins contain iron, which is beneficial to the production of hemoglobin and blood circulation in the scalp; eggs contain protein, selenium and magnesium, which are a great source of multiple nutrients; citrus is high in Vitamin C which helps to absorb iron, thereby improving hair growth. Plus, oolong tea has a variety of amino acids as well as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and other trace elements necessary for hair growth, along with multiple vitamins. We can even make hair-growing tea on our own with 1g of female gingeng, tuber fleeceflower roots, ginseng, tuckahoe and monkfruits respectively to relieve hair loss, promote hair growth and nourish the hair. Just brew them with boiling water and take once a day.
Besides affecting the self-esteem and appearance, hair loss is also an implication of health. Therefore, do keep a positive mind in daily life and at the same time balance the diet, keep regular hours and exercise properly for a healthier and better life.
Written by Physician Dorothy Goh
References:
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[4]张学军.皮肤性病学[M].8版.北京:人民卫生出版社,2015:180-182.
[5]李海英.“发属心”之新解[J].上海中医药杂志,2007,41(3):46-47.
[6]徐霞,王书良.中西药联合梅花针治疗斑秃疗效观察[J].中国医疗美容,2014,4(3):179-180.